5 breakout bands from Toronto in 2012: #4 Trust

Over the next few weeks we'll be taking a look at local bands that are on verge of breaking out in 2012. Up today is Trust.

Who is Trust?

Trust is Robert Alfons and Maya Postepski (Austra, Princess Century). Hype for the dark synth-pop duo started with the release of two singles, "Candy Walls" and "Bulbform," along with opening gigs for Death from Above 1979, Crystal Castles and Austra in 2011. Now signed to Arts & Crafts, their debut album TRST unleashes a subterranean and cavernous electro sound.

They sound like...

Trust pull off brave sounds packed with revving, futuristic arrangements as cool as Alfons' Mad Max leather look and his baritone warbles, while Postepski provides backing percussion and mono-drone vocals. Trust's artistic vision is strong and pure in its chest-pounding, pulsating traction, drawing similarities with Austra and Joy Division. TRST runs with retro new-wave chromatics, yet the songs sound fresh as part of the recent trend toward goth-electro.

"Candy Walls" evokes nostalgia and seduces listeners with lusty, expressive arrangements that beckon for repat listenings. The standout track, "Sulk," shines with the gloss of a Pole Position arrangement and flashes of Alfons' nasal bursts.

Trust are always in control — their tracks sound gallant and epic on headphones, but to fully hear the regal clench of these synth-sodden dance songs, one must hear them live or, at a minimum, broken open through your speakers.

The band is worth keeping an eye on because...

For those who are fans of Austra, consider Trust a blood-relative with heavier, combustible, and jagged tempos — their mournful moments morph into blissfully-sleek flourishes when given enough listening time. Alfons and Postepski are a tremendously confident pair with flare and attitude that leaves an irresistible vapour trail for Toronto's ever-growing electronic scene to follow.

Previously in the series:

• Lake Forest

A big thanks to the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic for sponsoring the long hours of listening to music, attending gigs and chatting up groupies that went into writing this post.